Mounting Base for Wireless Tag Using Magnetic Latching and Bias Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in locating personal property or electronic devices without GPS, especially those that lack GPS capabilities, as traditional methods are inefficient for non-electronic items or devices without GPS integration.
Innovation Solution
A wirelessly locatable tag system that includes a mounting base with a battery cavity, latching mechanism, and conductive members to securely attach and power the tag, allowing for accurate location determination using wireless signals and localization techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wirelessly locatable tag is used to track personal property without GPS, then location tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting base components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional components: a wirelessly locatable tag attached to the object and a mounting base with power supply and contact blocks. This segmentation allows the tag to remain simple while the mounting base handles power and connectivity, resolving the contradiction between tracking capability and overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to securely attach the tag to the mounting base, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism uses magnetic attraction forces to replace complex mechanical locking systems. The magnetic force provides reliable attachment while eliminating the need for moving parts, springs, or manual latching operations, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conductive members are positioned to contact battery contacts within the battery cavity, then electrical power transmission is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive members are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the vertical position to be modified to accommodate variations in battery contact locations. This parameter adjustment compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable electrical contact without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
4Reliability
If the second conductive member is outwardly biased to contact the battery cavity surface, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to biasing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The second conductive member utilizes the elastic properties of the battery cavity surface to generate the necessary biasing force. When the tag is inserted, the cavity surface deforms and automatically pushes the conductive member into contact, eliminating the need for external springs or actuators. This self-service approach improves contact reliability while avoiding additional mechanical complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise location tracking of personal property and electronic devices, even without GPS, by using a wirelessly locatable tag system that can be attached to various objects, providing accurate spatial parameters and facilitating easy retrieval of lost items.
Implementation Method 1
The deflectable conductive member may be configured to contact a battery contact that extends into the battery cavity of the device, thereby conductively coupling the deflectable conductive member and the battery contact
Implementation Method 2
The deflectable conductive member may be configured to impart a biasing force on a surface of the battery cavity when the wirelessly locatable tag is coupled to the mounting base
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting base for use with a wirelessly locatable tag may include a base portion defining a latching member configured to engage a wirelessly locatable tag to releasably retain the wirelessly locatable tag to the mounting base, a contact block attached to the base portion and configured to be positioned at least partially within a battery cavity of the wirelessly locatable tag, the contact block defining a top side and a peripheral side. The mounting base may further include a first conductive member positioned along the peripheral side of the contact block and configured to contact a first battery contact in the battery cavity of the wirelessly locatable tag, a second conductive member outwardly biased from the top side of the contact block, the second conductive member configured to contact a second battery contact in the battery cavity of the tag, and a power cable coupled to the base portion.